Glabridin, the main compound in the hydrophobic fraction of licorice extract is known for its beneficial effects on the skin due to its skin whitening and anti-inflammatory properties. The skin lightening property is due to it's ability to inhibit melanogenesis. It is available as a lipophillic extract obtained from the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (syn. Liquiritae officinalis Moench.,Fam. Fabaceae). Licorice, the most popular and widely consumed herbs in the world is used Ayurveda to relieve 'vata' and 'kapha' inflammations, eye diseases,throat infections, peptic ulcers, arthritic conditions.The primary pharmacologic activities are anti-tyrosinase activity and inhibition of lipoperoxides. It also has antimicrobial and SOD-like activity. The flavonoids in licorice are mainly responsible for its yellow coloring; however, these flavonoids are potent antioxidants.
The main constituents of the hydrophilic fraction of licorice are the triterpenoid saponin glycyrrhizin and a mixture of calcium and potassium salts of glycyrrhizinic acid.